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Cusseta–Chattahoochee commissioners approve second reading to create local Board of Elections
Summary
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a home‑rule amendment and second reading to create a local Board of Elections and Registration, fulfilling a state deadline and transferring duties from the probate court’s election superintendent. Commissioners discussed implementation, staffing and related state law (HB 581).
The Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 12 to approve a home‑rule amendment and the second reading of a charter change establishing a three‑member Board of Elections and Registration for the county.
Under the ordinance adopted on second reading, the new board will assume the duties of the county’s election superintendent and the board of registrars for the conduct of primaries, elections and voter registration beginning Jan. 1, 2025, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21‑2‑40.1. The ordinance specifies three members appointed by the Board of Commissioners, staggered initial terms and four‑year subsequent terms.
County officials discussed logistics and staffing. The ordinance directs the board to recommend one to three candidates for the elections‑supervisor position to the county manager; the county manager will hire the supervisor and may accept or reject the board’s recommendations. The elections supervisor and any board employees will be county employees and subject to county personnel policies, including pay and benefits.
Attorney Bin Minter and County Manager Thomas Weaver briefed commissioners on related items. Weaver told the commission the county is “automatically enrolled” under HB 581 but can opt out later under a prescribed process; Minter said opt‑out and re‑entry are possible but involve legal steps. The county also has scheduled public notice and compliance requirements included in the charter amendment.
The ordinance text and implementing exhibit describe board organization, meeting requirements, and the board’s powers and duties, and require the Board of Commissioners to provide offices and equipment. Commissioners approved the ordinance and recorded the vote as unanimous.
The board also discussed practical next steps: adoption of bylaws, recruiting and training for the elections supervisor, and scheduling public notices and sample‑ballot materials. The county scheduled a public hearing related to some election items for Dec. 3.
The ordinance and related exhibit are part of the official minutes and related documents filed with the county; implementation details such as the initial appointments and compensation will be set by future action of the commission and the new board.
